Valve-actuating means for fire-extinguishing systems



Feb. 22. 1 WW5 l v VALVE ACTUATING MEANS FOR FIRE EXTINGUISHINGjYSTEMS Filed Feb. 26. 1925 Patented Feb. 22, 1927.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HENRY M. MINNIS, OF WYLIE, TEXAS, ASSIGNOR 0F ONE-THIRD TO ELBA A. THOMAS AND ONE-THIRD T0 JOHN H. FINCI-I, OF WYLIE, TEXAS.

VALVE-ACTUATING MEANS FOR FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS.

Application filed February 26, 1925. Serial No. 11,634.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in valve actuating means tor fire extinguishing systems.

The object of the invention is to provide in connection with each sprinkler valve, electrically operated means for releasing the valve and sounding an alarm in the room where the fire starts. I

A construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described together with other features of the invention.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an example of the invention is shown, and wherein:

Fig. l is a detail of the sprinkler and its operating means,

Fig. 2 is an underside view of the the valve being in section,

In the drawings the tank pipes 11 lead same,

. through the walls of the building to the center of the ceiling B of each room or to such other points at which it may be desired to locate sprinklers.

Each pipe terminates in a sprinkler head 12 of suitable construction. Above the head in each pipe, a releasevalve 13 is connected in the pipe. Each valve has a valve head 14 (Figs. 1 and 2) normally seated therein against the tension of a coiled spring 15. The outer end of the valve stem 16 rests in a bail 17 hinged to the case of the valve. Adjacent each valve is an electric bell 1.8, the clapper 19 of which ispositioned to strike the bail as it rebounds from the bell, thus displacing the bail from the end of the valve stem and. permitting the spring 15 to unseat the valve head 14.

Adjacent each valve is a thermostatic electric switch connected by lines 23 "and 24.-

with the bell 18.

valve The system operates as follows:

lVhen the temperature at one of the thermostatic switches rises to the degree, caused 3y a fire started adjacent thereto or on the room therewith, the current will flow by wires 23 and 24 to the bell which when energized causes the clapper 19 to strike and swing the bail 17, thus freeing the valve stem and permitting the spring 15 to open the valve. At the same time the bell 18 is operating thereby giving the alarm.

Various changes in the size and shape of the different parts, aswell as modifications and alterations may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

lVhat I claim, is:

.1. A valve releasing means for a fire eX- tinguishing system comprising a valve casing containing a normally closed valve having a projected stem, tension means tending to open the valve, a bail pivoted upon the casing to swing laterally and directly engage the valve stem for holding the valve closed under tension, and an electrically operated member disposed to engage on actuation the bail at one side-thereof to displace itfrom the valve stem.

2. A valve releasing means for a fire eX- tinguishing system comprising a casing having a transverse valve seat, a valve head to engage said seat and provided with a projected stem, a spring between the head and casing to displace the head from its seat, a swinging bail disposed to engage the end of the stem for holdingthe valve head upon its seat, and an electric bell having a clapper adjacent to and intermediate the bell and bail adapted upon actuation to displace the latter from the valve stein.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

HENRY M. MINN IS. 

